Media Centre
Our team is here to support media professionals with expert insights, real stories, and trusted information on stem cell donation and blood cancer.
Stem Cell Donors Australia plays a critical role in connecting patients with life-saving donors. We provide informed, credible and up to date information on donor recruitment, transplant processes, research developments, and the ongoing need for a diverse and representative donor registry. Our spokespeople, ambassadors, donors, and recipients are available for interviews, offering both expert perspectives and powerful lived experiences.
We work closely with media to deliver timely, accurate information and meaningful stories that highlight the impact of stem cell donation and the collective effort behind giving more patients a second chance at life.
If you would like to speak to someone from the team, media enquiries can be directed to Kate Levy on 0416 294 474 or at klevy@stemcelldonors.org.au.
Key messages for media
- What are stem cell transplants and why are unrelated donors needed?
Stem cell transplants are critical treatments for many patients with blood cancers and disorders and are often their best hope for survival. A transplant relies on healthy stem cells being donated by someone who is the patient’s genetic match and in many cases by an unrelated, volunteer donor from the general public. - Australia’s shortage of stem cell donors
Australia has one of the lowest donor pools among comparable nations. This shortfall means that we rely heavily on overseas donors, and even then, many patients are unable to find a match. Without a transplant, patients can be at risk of dying. - The importance of a diverse, young donor registry
Our registry must not only have a high number of young donors—those aged 18-35—but also reflect the rich diversity of Australia’s population. This ensures we have the best possible matches for all patients in need. - Who can register as a donor
To join the registry, you must be aged between 18 and 35 years (donors remain on the registry until they are 60) and be eligible for a Medicare card. For the full list of eligibility requirements, please visit our FAQs. - How donors can register
By ordering a free at-home cheek swab via our website, stemcelldonors.org.au, or join when next donating blood at Lifeblood.
Supporting statistics
- Approximately 1,300 Australian patients search for a donor each year, with this number increasing annually.
- Over 145,000 Australians live with a blood cancer or disorder; many will require a transplant to survive.
- There are just over 187,000 donors on the registry, yet only 45% are considered ideal (aged 18-35).
- The Australian Government’s Clinical Advisory Group recommends recruiting 40,000 new donors every year to meet patient needs.
- In 2025, 25,000 new donors were recruited to the registry.
Media call to action
We encourage media outlets to include a call to action in their stories. Please urge Australians aged 18-35 to learn more about the donor registry and consider joining. For further details, visit stemcelldonors.org.au.
Recent News
Spokespeople available
- Lisa Smith, CEO (Sydney-based):
Lisa can provide expert commentary on strategic needs, key statistics, and the overall impact of our work. - Garth Healey, Chief Operating Officer and WMDA Board Member (Sydney-based)
Garth can speak to the logistics of stem cell donation, from collection to delivery. He also provides expert insight into the international donor landscape and how Australia compares to global best practices. - Kate Levy, Donor Recruitment Lead (Sydney-based):
Kate is well-placed to offer insights into donor experiences, dispel common donation myths, and discuss the urgent need for more donors. - Dr Jeff Szer, Expert Medical Spokesperson (Melbourne-based):
Dr Szer is available for detailed discussions on the medical aspects of stem cell transplants and donor matching.
If you would like to speak to someone from the team, media enquiries can be directed to Kate Levy on 0416 294 474 or at klevy@stemcelldonors.org.au.